Frankfurt, Germany – Berlin is preparing new defensive measures against unmanned aerial vehicles after Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned that the Germany drone threat has reached a “high” level, citing growing risks to security and infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters in Berlin on Saturday, Dobrindt said the government would move to amend aviation security laws to permit the German armed forces to intervene directly in neutralizing drones, including the possibility of shooting them down.
“There is a threat that can be classified as high when it comes to drones. It is an abstract threat, but very concrete in individual cases,” Dobrindt noted, adding that the goal is to ensure better protection for critical infrastructure and mass public gatherings.
The announcement comes after multiple drone incursions in Denmark this past week forced temporary airspace closures and heightened concerns across Europe. German authorities are investigating similar drone sightings near sensitive locations.
During the Bundeswehr’s “Red Storm Bravo” defense exercise in Hamburg on Thursday, German forces showcased drone-jamming technology as part of efforts to strengthen civilian–military coordination against aerial threats.
Officials stressed that the new measures are part of a broader security strategy to protect energy grids, transport hubs, and public events from potential disruption.
For policymakers, the push reflects mounting pressure to address vulnerabilities exposed by drones, which are increasingly used for surveillance, smuggling, and—amid rising geopolitical tensions—potential sabotage.
By advancing legislative reforms, Germany aims to give its military greater authority to respond to drone incursions, positioning itself among European nations taking proactive steps to safeguard airspace in the face of evolving security risks.
